The proposed action would map contextual zoning districts at densities reflective of the existing row house character of the area with height limits that would prevent future out-of-scale development.

The existing R5, R6 and R7A districts within the study area would be replaced by R5B and R6A contextual zoning districts. The proposed rezoning would also add a C2-4 commercial along the block frontage along Caton Avenue between East 7th Street and East 8th Street. See zoning comparison table for comparison of existing and proposed zoning districts.

R5B
An R5B district is proposed for the portion of rezoning area to the east of East 8th Street, north of Kermit Place and a small portion south of Kermit Place. R5B is a typical row house district that is reflective of the prevailing low-rise character of the blocks on which it is proposed. R5B districts permit a maximum FAR of 1.35 and a maximum building height of 33 feet with a maximum street wallheight of 30 feet. The required minimum lot width and area for detached homes is 25 feet and 2,375 square feet respectively, and for other housing types is 18 feet and 1,700 square feet respectively. Curb cuts are prohibited on lots less than 40 feet in width. The required minimum front yard is 5 feet and must be as deep as an adjacent front yard.. Detached residences require two side yards with a total width of 13 feet. Zero lot line buildings require one 8 foot side yard and all other buildings require one 4 foot side yard. When parking is required, on-site spaces must be provided for two-thirds of the dwelling units.

R6A
An R6A zoning district is proposed along portions of East 7th and East 8th Streets between Kermit Place and Caton Avenue. This area consists of two 6-story multifamily residential buildings and a vacant lot fronting on Caton Avenue.

R6A is a contextual district that would ensure that new construction would be compatible with existing buildings. R6A has a maximum FAR of 3.0 for residential and community facility uses. Above a base heightof 40 to 60 feet, the building must provide a setback of 10 feet on a wide street and 15 feet on a narrow street before rising to a maximum height of 70 feet. Off-street parking is required for 50 percent of the units.

C2-4 Overlay
The proposed rezoning would also add a C2-4 commercial overlay district on a portion of the R6A rezoning area along Caton Avenue in order to provide local retail and service opportunities for the surrounding residential neighborhood. Commercial uses in C2-4 districts have a maximum FAR of 2.0. Permitted uses in C2-4 district include drug stores, restaurants, beauty parlors and bike repair services. Residential, mixed commercial/residential and community facility uses in C2 commercial overlay districts are regulated by the underlying residential districts. Commercial uses in mixed use buildings cannot be located above the first floor.

Brief explanations of terms in green italics can be viewed by clicking on the term. Words and phrases followed by an asterisk (*) are defined terms in the Zoning Resolution, primarily in Section 12-10. Consult the Zoning Resolution for the official and legally binding definitions of these words and phrases.